Chances are you are already on LinkedIn. LinkedIn is a platform used by employers, employees, and jobseekers alike to expand their ever-growing network. Do you want to create the ultimate LinkedIn profile to attract more visitors? HyperTalented is here to help! In this blog we will be going over the 9 most important tips to achieve the complete LinkedIn profile. LinkedIn rewards complete profiles in their search optimisation.
So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get cracking and start creating the perfect LinkedIn profile for 2023!
1. Choose a professional photo
The first thing people notice, before even clicking on your profile, is your profile picture. The use of a professional picture isn’t just a must, it’s a way to show the world who you are. It seems obvious, but there are a few no-go`s that we often see when going through LinkedIn.
A short disclaimer from us at HyperTalented, some people may choose intentional “unprofessional” pictures to reflect a certain personality or to reach a specific audience. This isn’t a problem. However, the chances are high you have chosen your LinkedIn profile picture without any thought. It is time for a change!
The biggest no-go`s for selecting a profile picture for LinkedIn
- Sunglasses, or any other type of accessories covering your eyes
- A picture so close you manage to take over the whole frame
- Any type of hat covering your face
- The photo used on your passport or driver`s licence. We wouldn’t want your picture looking like a mugshot
- A picture of your pet or favourite plant
- Your holiday trip to Ibiza with a cocktail in hand
- Your holiday trip to Ibiza with your 6th cocktail in hand
- Photo`s with any type of filter. This isn’t Snapchat
- Pictureless. People are interested in who you are!
Curious for examples? This link shows you the best examples on which photos not to use.
So, what should you be aiming for? A headshot where your face is fully frame is the best choice. The clothing worn in this photo ideally would be smart casual and a background which isn’t distracting.
Have you taken a recent picture but aren’t quite sure if this is suitable. The website Photofeeler helps you tests your picture. Give this a try the next time when you upload a picture!
2. Write a short but powerful headline
The written text underneath your name is the headline. The first information the visitor of your profile gets to know about you. This short but powerful text is your elevator pitch, a short presentation showing others who you are and what you excel in. This should entice the visitor to keep on reading your profile and get to know you better.
You have plenty of opportunity to write a text in your headline. With a maximum of 220 characters, you can sell yourself or amuse other to scroll down. However, just because there are 220 characters you shouldn’t feel obliged to use them all. Nobody wants to read page of text, your message might get lost. Remember, less is more!
3. Choose a fitting banner
After choosing a profile picture it is time to select a banner. The banner, the background image behind your profile picture, can help you express yourself and show off your personality.
Are you unsatisfied with your current banner or not using one now? Canva offers you fun and professional looking background, even giving you the opportunity to make your own. When making a LinkedIn banner you should follow the format: 1584×396 pixels.
Check Canva for your next LinkedIn banner!
4. List your contact details on your profile
With your LinkedIn profile you want to make sure your network can contact you at any given moment. Nothing annoys people more than wanting to reach out, but not being able to find any contact details. This could be a real dealbreaker! When your contact details are visible the chances are significantly higher that people will approach you.
Are you unsure about using your mobile number? Don’t worry, LinkedIn only allows your direct contacts to see your mobile details. We know how annoying unwanted calls are.
If you decide to mention any contact information on your LinkedIn profile, make them stand out. In your summary, which will be discussed in our next tip, you can use visuals to make this information stand out.
An example of visualising with the HyperTalented contact information:
📞 +31 (0) 6 24 87 38 65
✉ hi@hypertalented.com
🌍 Kleine-Gartmanplantsoen 21, Amsterdam
5. Write a summary to draw the attention of your potential next employer
In your summary you are able to write a short story about yourself and your professional career. This is element a lot of people find hard to write. Are you able to write down all the relevant information and does this draw the attention of any possible employers?
In your summary you can mention some personal information about yourself, let them know what makes you who you are, what you have achieved and what you want to achieve soon. The use of keywords helps you make your LinkedIn profile visible to a wider audience and gives you a higher chance of attracting your target audience.
Don’t be afraid to let go whilst writing. With over 2600 characters you can describe everything as detailed as you wish.
Here are 5 additional tips from HyperTalented to the perfect LinkedIn summary.
- Use your job title. When writing a summary, the use of your job title is of upmost importance. The use of key words gives you a higher chance of being found by your target audience.
- After a few lines of text you have to click to continue reading. The first 200 character are the most important when writing your summary. Try writing an eye-catching piece of text which encourages the reader to continue.
- Divide your text into paragraphs. Reading is fun, even more when your story is easy on the eye. Divide your story into clear paragraphs with the help of blank lines.
- Who are you writing for. Before writing you summary, decide who you target audience is going to be. Is your story going to be formal or informal and what tone of voice are you going to use? Your style of writing will affect the type of audience you will attract, so keep that in mind before writing.
- Have someone proofread your text. A second pair of eyes will help you correct your text wherever necessary. The person proofreading your story can be a colleague, brother, or friend. Whenever writing a story for an extended period your message can get lost. An extra pair of eyes is recommended!
Still unsure how to write your summary? Check out this link we at HyperTalented like to read from time to time. These examples will help you start writing your summary within no time!
6. Your work experience and studies matter
Whenever listing your work experience and studies, mention your functions, what you daily tasks were and what you have achieved and learned during this time. Don’t forget to mention your current job and tasks!
At HyperTalented we believe you should never underestimate you experience. Studies, traineeships, jobs, and project all matter. Everything you have learned can be of use for your next potential employer. Give them an insight in who you are.
Whenever adding work experience you can add icons, images, and links. With these images and external links you are able to differentiate yourself from other profiles. Visualise your page, this makes it pleasant to look at!
Not sure how to add icons, images, and links to your work experience? Whenever adding or editing you work experience you have the option to add media. In the description menu you can add media, icons, and links to your experience. The visual aids and links can give the viewer additional information, insights in the work you did and a shortcut to any source you have mentioned.
7. Edit your URL
Whenever signing up for your first LinkedIn profile you might notice your URL looking messy. Not everyone spends as much attention looking at URL`s, we are well aware, but the tiniest of details matter most.
The URL of a LinkedIn profile can be edited with a few simple clicks when accessing your profile settings. A URL preferably only contains you first and last name, if necessary, a nickname which you are known by. Try avoiding company names and job titles as these can change throughout the years. You want to try to never change your URL. Make it your own!
With a few simple clicks your URL is now recognisable and can be found with ease. In addition, your URL is more pleasant to look at and doesn’t look like a binary code. We at HyperTalented, and countless other recruiters and employers, love to see your LinkedIn URL or profile listed on your CV and business cards.
8. Ask your network for recommendations
Whenever a LinkedIn profile uses recommendations, they manage to distinguish themselves from countless other users. Recommendations add to your overall completion of your profile and add an element of trust. Recommendations show others where you excel in and how they have experienced working together with you. Whenever someone has written a recommendation you can pin this on your profile. You, of course, do not have the ability to edit or change any text written by the person. This enhanced the trust element when someone writes a recommendation about you.
Whenever conducting business or working together with someone you could ask them to write a recommendation if they had a positive experience. These reviews set expectations for the users visiting your profile.
Some amazing examples of recommendations HyperTalented has received:
Do you want to help other achieving the ultimate LinkedIn profile? Write them a recommendation. Your co-worker, student, mentor employer or employee would all appreciate a recommendation if you`ve had positive interactions with them.
Not too sure how to write the perfect recommendation? HyperTalented has your back. With these steps you`ll be writing the perfect recommendation in no time!
- Start with a catchy opening line
Grab the attention! Whenever writing an opening line, make it catchy without overexaggerating. Your recommendation needs to be trustworthy, so convey your emotions accordingly whilst describing you overall experience with this person. - Describe the relationship between yourself and the person you are writing the recommendation for
Who is this person who you regard so highly? Describe the relationship you have with this person. This could be your teacher, employer, employee, or co-worker. Mention how you met the person and any first impressions that come to mind. - The key qualities
They key qualities, the content that matters most and people are most interested in. What differentiates you connection from the crowd, what are his strengths and what makes him an expert in his field. Try writing a short, but powerful, text which describes these aspects. A recommendation should not be long to read for other users. Remember, less is more! - Something personal and soft skills
It`s time to write something personal. This is what makes your recommendation unique compared to anyone else. When writing this brief summary or anecdote you must consider possible future employers. Try mentioning soft skills when describing the personality for the person you are writing for. Hard skills can be learned, but what makes a person unique are their soft skills. What does this person bring to the team? - A conclusion to your story
Your recommendation should finish with a conclusion. Every story needs a good ending. With a conclusion you try to leave an impression on the reader. “A positive addition for any team” or “You don’t know what you’re missing” are just a couple of examples how to finish a recommendation.
With these steps you can start writing recommendations. Writing is a skill you must master, so try leaving recommendations for the people who you have had a positive interaction with. This does not just help them in the completion of their LinkedIn profile, but helps you develop you writing skills as well. Practice makes perfect!
9. Writing posts and articles
Don’t be afraid to start writing posts and articles for your LinkedIn profile. Show others what you have learned in your career. The writing of articles and posts gives you an opportunity to show off your experience and knowledge. Not too sure what the difference is between posts and articles? In this chapter we will be discussing the differences and when to each of them.
What is a LinkedIn post?
A LinkedIn post is a short message you can post on your timeline. A post is a straightforward way to send a message to your network. A post could include every small step you make in your career, how insignificant they might feel to you. Every milestone you achieve should be celebrated and documented!
Posting regularly keeps your LinkedIn profile relevant, making your posts appear more frequently on the timelines of others and encouraging interaction. Posts are a low threshold way of communicating but disappear after a short time. Because of the accessibility of writing posts, new posts tend to flood you timeline. After time, your post will disappear in the crowd.
What is a LinkedIn article?
With writing an article on LinkedIn you have the opportunity discuss certain topics in depth. With 18.500 characters you have the ability to show off your knowledge about certain topics. Compared to a post, which is a perfect way to share snapshots of your career, an article gives you the opportunity to show you expertise in certain subjects.
Writing articles really does have it`s advantages. The main purposes of articles are informing and entertaining the reader. Articles tend to hang around timelines for a longer period of time and can be easily found on y/our profile. This is your chance to show off to others and impress them with your knowledge of certain subjects.
A tip from HyperTalented when writing your next article
Articles with titles which include lists, for example “The top 10…” or “10 things you should know about…”, and opinion pieces tend to score best. These articles often experience the most engagement and interaction.
Not quite sure where or how to start? Check out the best LinkedIn articles from 2022.
When writing an article, you shouldn’t forget to include relevant images. The use of images in an article helps to keep the reader’s attention and helps them immerse into the text. These could be your own, if these are of high quality of course, or stock photos.
The best website to use when looking for stock photos are:
www.pixabay.com
www.pexels.com
www.unsplash.com
So, this is it!
After reading this blog you should know what necessary changes to make to your LinkedIn profile. We at HyperTalented hope you have learned some new information with the tips we have given you to ensure the ultimate LinkedIn profile!
